How to Blend and Apply Essential Oils

Using Essential Oils

Essential oils are derived from plants. They have distinct aromas and often have medicinal and therapeautic properties. There are many types of essential oils. To see a comprehensive directory of them, go to Community.Marion.ia.com. This site shows essential oils that should not be used during pregnancy, oils that are not approved for ingestion by the FDA, and oils to avoid using in the sun. There are some oils that they specifically state not to use if you are diabetic or have epilepsy as well. Here is an example of what you will find there:

"PEPPERMINT - Mentha piperita A strong, cool, minty flavor. Has been used to treat impotence, mental fatigue, colic, indigestion, nausea, diarrhea, fainting, vertigo, halitosis and many respiratory conditions." There are also tips for blending the oil and which oils blend well together. Cautions are noted as well, noting potential reactions that may occur with certain essential oils.

AromaWeb contains a concise list of oils you should not use without a doctor's approval first. It is important to keep essential oils out of the reach of children, as they may think they are something to drink, because of their smell.

Ways to Use Essential Oils

1. Aromatherapy

Place a few drops of essential oil on a cotton cloth. Use a clothespin to clip it to a fan, or lay it over a vaporizer to disperse the aroma into the air. This cloth can also be placed into a dryer to enhance the smell of your clothes. Place a few drops in your iron's water reservoir for steaming fabric. Infuse your pillowcases, blouses, and handkerchiefs with wonderful aromas.

2. Household Cleaning

Essential oils can easily be added to a load of laundry. Popular scents for laundry are lavender and vanilla. Lemon is a wonderful scent for homemade cleaning products, such as furniture polish, composed of equal parts water and olive oil.

3. Massage Therapy

Add a few drops of your favorite essential oil to olive oil, almond oil, or baby oil and use as a massage oil. Use this mixture on your hands, feet, and temples for immediate relaxation effects. According to Experience-Essential-Oils.com, "Lavender Essential Oil has analgesic, antispasmodic, anti-inflammatory and sedative properties."

4. Positive Well-Being

Essential oils should never be placed directly on the skin. Use carrier oil to dilute it before application. According to Nature's Gift, "Normal dilution is 2.5%, ie, 15 drops of the essential oil or synergistic blend to one ounce of carrier oil," is recommended. Once diluted, the mixture can be applied to the temples, forehead, hands, feet, and other areas of the body to provide stress-relief and calming benefits.

5. Personal Care

Create your own body lotion infused with your favorite smells. Add lavendar, vanilla, or tea tree essential oils to 1/2 cup olive oil, 2 tablespoons of cocoa butter, 1 teaspoon of vitamin E oil, and 1/4 cup beeswax (shredded). Place in glass jar in a few inches of boiling water. Allow to melt and stir. After cooling, store lotion in airtight container.